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Magnetic Field

This very simple electric motor is called a homopolar motor because the magnetic field does not change direction or strength. With only three parts, it is probably the simplest motor you can possibly make.

I found that if you put small dent in top of battery, it keeps the wire in place so doesn't fall off. Use a small nail or something with a with a point. Don't hit to hard or it will punch a hole in battery.

In case anyone is interested, the reason this works is because, first, the permanent magnet is made of electrically conductive material. If you notice, the bottom of the copper "rotor" is touching the magnet, which is also the negative electrical terminal. Since current is flowing through the wire a magnetic field is setup around the wire. This new magnetic field, due to its overall shape (based on the shape of the wire) allows for an attraction and/or opposition force (in the case of the "rectangular" rotor, it is both forces, which is why it has the highest acceleration) to move the wire.